Mayor's Visit

20/September/2010

On his arrival, Mr Ray  Mallon was wellcomed by  the Steering Group members, Local Authority members,along with other service representitives,  opened the meeting with the usual round of introductions.

Mr Mallon asked questions about the Parents 4 Change Organisation,relative to  the work we do and our achievements over the last 2 years.

Steering group members explained that we have been engaged in partnership working  with the Local Authority to improve services for children with disablities.special or additional needs, and their families,residing in  Middlesbrough.

When Mr Mallon asked what had been achieved and   improved, the Steering Group explained how the increased volume and extended use within  Short Breaks Services was one of many successes. 

Parents 4 Change in alliance with Children with disabilities Team  Managers.has developed changes and re-introduced  the  Individualised Budgets Pilot Scheme in Middlesbrough which has enabled former Direct Payment users an expansion of choice in the way services for a child are purchased. Documented evidence of the variety of individualised ways ,Parents have created Change for their children  was made available ,for Mr Mallon to veiw. These changes result in families experiencing meaningful Short Breaks relative to their roles as carers.

One of the examples shown,was from the Sport and Leisure Focus group, who worked with the staff of Kader Youth & Comminity Centre to set up a successful Youth club for disabled children, which runs from 2pm to 4pm every Saturday, and is enjoyed by all who attend it.

The visit went on longer than he had planned, but he felt that it was important ror him to understand our purpose.He left us with the feeling that he believes in our work and that he will do what ever he can to help us continue beyond our currently, [Aiming High Funded] year end, in March 2011. He also made a personal statement which will published  here soon.

Watch the space................